Intracardiac Echo Catheter Positioning via Ultrasound and Electric Field Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intracardiac catheter location methods, such as fluoroscopy and three-dimensional physiological visualization systems, face challenges in accurately and precisely positioning intracardiac echo catheters due to two-dimensional imaging limitations, radiation exposure, spatial distortion, and translational and rotational positioning errors, which hinder effective ablation procedures for arrhythmia treatment.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an intracardiac echo catheter with a sensor array and electrodes that generates response signals within an electric field, allowing for precise location and orientation using a visualization, navigation, or mapping system, which combines position data with echocardiography images to form fiducial point pairs for calibration, enabling accurate projection of images into a geometric model of the heart.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If fluoroscopy is used for catheter location, then real-time imaging is achieved, but radiation exposure increases and image accuracy decreases due to two-dimensional overlay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fluoroscopy (radiation-based imaging) with intracardiac echocardiography (ultrasound-based imaging) for real-time catheter visualization. The ICE catheter incorporates an ultrasound transducer that generates real-time acoustic images of cardiac structures and catheter position without exposing the patient to ionizing radiation, thus substituting a harmful mechanical system with a safer alternative while maintaining real-time capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary calibration process that matches ICE images with pre-acquired three-dimensional cardiac models (from MRI or CT). This intermediary step allows the system to leverage the safety of ultrasound imaging while achieving the spatial accuracy of radiation-based imaging by using the 3D model as a reference framework for locating the catheter tip
2Measurement precision
If three-dimensional physiological visualization systems are used, then spatial accuracy is improved, but spatial distortion and positioning errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the ICE catheter's real-time ultrasound images provide continuous verification of catheter position within the three-dimensional physiological model. The system compares the live ICE imagery with the pre-acquired 3D cardiac anatomy, allowing dynamic adjustment and validation of catheter location, thereby correcting spatial distortion and positioning errors through iterative feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two imaging modalities: intracardiac echocardiography (real-time ultrasound) and pre-acquired three-dimensional imaging (MRI or CT). By combining the real-time capabilities of ICE with the spatial accuracy of 3D anatomical models, the system achieves both temporal and spatial precision while minimizing the drawbacks of each individual modality
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If ICE catheters without electrodes are used, then imaging capability is achieved, but position determination accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal ICE catheter that integrates multiple functions: ultrasound imaging capability, electrogram sensing electrodes, and position determination. The catheter simultaneously performs imaging, electrical recording, and spatial localization by incorporating both the ultrasound transducer and electrodes in a single device, eliminating the need for separate positioning systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables reliable and real-time location and orientation of intracardiac echo catheters, improving the accuracy of cardiac structure imaging and therapeutic interventions by minimizing positioning errors and radiation exposure, while providing a more stable and effective treatment environment.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor array contains an ultrasound transducer and at least three electrodes configured to produce a response signal when placed within an electric field of a visualization, navigation, or mapping system
Implementation Method 2
at least three electrodes configured to produce a response signal when placed within an electric field of a visualization, navigation, or mapping system
Data Source
AI summary
A three dimensional physiological mapping system utilizing an intracardiac echo catheter capable of being located in six degrees of freedom by a visualization, navigation, or mapping system. An echocardiography image of the intracardiac echo catheter may be projected within a geometric model of the visualization, navigation, or mapping system where the location of the projected image is adjusted in response to user input identifying a structure present in the echocardiography image and the geometric model.